A Cowboy's Claim Read Online Free Page B

cooled down. Then she hitched him to the back of her trailer next to his water and feed. “You rest while I watch Vic.”
    Tanya had four days to make it to the Rockin’ Horse Ranch in Moriarty, New Mexico, for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel-racing event. If Slingshot didn’t place in the top three, Mason had warned Tanya, he’d no longer fund her rodeo expenses. She either returned to the farm with Slingshot or paid her own way on the circuit.
    With her meager savings, Tanya might be able to compete through the end of July. If Slingshot turned around by then, maybe Mason would give the horse a third chance and pay the cost of their entry fees, gas and lodging for another month or two. She bought a diet cola, found a seat in the shaded section of the grandstand and waited for the saddle-bronc event to begin.
    â€œDarcy, are you going to the Muggy Rim after the rodeo?”
    Tanya eavesdropped on the three buckle bunnies sitting two rows below her. They were a walking advertisement for rodeo bling—rhinestone-studded blouses, belts and boots. Their fake fingernails glittered and even the blush on their cheeks sparkled. When they sat side by side, none of them stood out from the other. What did Beau see in these female zirconias? Didn’t the women realize they were being used? No real cowboy would bring home all that glitz to meet his mama.
    â€œI don’t know,” Darcy said.
    â€œIf Beau Billings is going, I’m for sure gonna be there.” The only brunette in the group spoke.
    â€œBeau is so over you, Sasha. Move on to another cowboy,” a dark blonde with purple eye shadow said. “Right, Darcy?”
    â€œYou two can fight over Beau,” Darcy said. “I want Victor Vicario. I love a mysterious man.”
    â€œHe scares me,” Sasha said. “He never smiles, huh, Heather?”
    â€œNope and I’ve always wondered how he got that scar on his face,” Heather said.
    Darcy fluffed her platinum-blond curls. “There’s nothing I like better than a challenge.”
    Sasha’s laugh grated on Tanya’s nerves. “If anyone can get Vic’s attention, you can, Darcy. I bet you get him into bed on the first try.”
    Tanya’s stomach churned with jealousy and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from warning the woman away from Victor.
    â€œFolks, it looks like we’re ready to kick off the saddle-bronc competition. We’ve got a handful of top-notch contenders this afternoon. The first cowboy up is Victor Vicario. Vicario is coming out of the gate on Sidewinder, a two-time national champion bronc.”
    Tanya ignored the giggles and shouts of the buckle bunnies and focused on Vic as he prepared for his ride. He straddled the bronc and adjusted his grip. Then he looked up into the stands and Tanya sucked in a quick breath. Was he searching for her?
    â€œOh my God,” Darcy said. “He’s looking right at me.” She waved a poster with her name and phone number in black and pink glitter.
    Vic dropped his head, then nodded and the gate swung open. Sidewinder spun wildly, but Vic rode the bronc like a walk in the park. Man and beast danced and sparred to the cheers of the fans. When the buzzer sounded, Vic hung on until he saw an opening and then launched himself at the ground. He hit the dirt, rolled twice and popped to his feet. The crowd went crazy.
    â€œScar or no scar, he can ride me anytime, any place,” Darcy said.
    Tanya left the bleachers before she said something to the women that she’d regret. She made her way to the cowboy ready area, her eyes peeled for Vic.
    â€œYou looking for me?”
    She turned and smiled. “As a matter of fact, I am.”
    His glance skipped across her face before he locked gazes with her.
    â€œNice ride,” she said.
    â€œThanks.”
    An awkward silence settled between them before she asked, “Do you have plans after